Medical Applications

What is an organ transplant?

Replacing a damaged organ with a healthy organ from a donor.

What is a donor?

A person who provides an organ.

What is a recipient?

A person who receives an organ.

What can damage an organ?

Disease, injury, infection, genetic conditions, or ageing.

What organs can be transplanted?

Kidneys, heart, liver, lungs, and pancreas.

What is the difference between a living and deceased donor?

A living donor donates while alive; a deceased donor donates after death.

Why are organ transplants useful?

They can extend life and improve quality of life.

What is organ rejection?

When the immune system attacks a transplanted organ because it recognises it as foreign.

How is organ rejection reduced?

Recipients take immunosuppressant drugs that reduce immune responses.

What is a disadvantage of immunosuppressants?

They can increase infection risk and cause side effects.

What is an artificial organ?

A human-made device that replaces some functions of a natural organ.

What are examples of artificial replacements?

Artificial heart valves, joints, skin, and dialysis machines.

What is dialysis?

A treatment that filters waste and excess water from the blood when kidneys fail.

What are advantages of artificial organs?

No donor is needed and they can reduce waiting times.

What are limitations of artificial organs?

They may not fully replace natural organs, can be expensive, and may need maintenance.

What is a pacemaker?

A device that uses electrical signals to help control heart rhythm.

When is a pacemaker used?

When the heart's electrical system causes an abnormal or slow heartbeat.

What is 3D bioprinting?

Using specialised printers to create biological tissues or experimental organ structures.

What is the potential benefit of 3D-printed organs?

They could be made from a patient's own cells, reducing rejection risk.

What are challenges of 3D-printed organs?

Creating blood supplies, complex structures, long-term function, and reducing costs.

How do natural and artificial organs differ?

Natural organs are highly efficient and naturally controlled; artificial replacements may not perform every function.

What is an ethical issue with organ shortages?

Deciding who should receive limited organs and how priority should be determined fairly.

What is consent in organ donation?

Giving permission to donate an organ.

Why is consent an ethical issue?

Questions arise about whether donors agreed and whether families should decide.

Why is fair access an ethical issue?

People may not have equal access to transplant treatment, raising questions about whether wealth should affect treatment.

What ethical issues affect living donors?

Surgical risks, recovery time, and possible complications.

What must doctors ensure before living donation?

The donor understands the risks and gives informed consent.

How has technology improved organ replacement?

It has enabled transplants, artificial organs, mechanical devices, and developing 3D-printed tissues.

CASE STUDY: Why might a kidney transplant be rejected?

The recipient's immune system may recognise the kidney as foreign and attack it.

CASE STUDY: A patient has an abnormal heartbeat. What technology could help?

A pacemaker can send electrical signals to regulate the heartbeat.